Having calves weaned early is often something that occurs during periods of low forage quality. This typically happens during extremely dry periods, such as what is currently happening in many western states. But what exactly does it mean to wean early?
Early weaning is usually defined as weaning calves before they are 150 days of age. In some more extreme cases they can be weaned even earlier at 45 days. This rarely happens so more commonly early weaned calves are over 80 days old.
As I mentioned earlier early weaning can be of benefit to producers facing a drought. It can also be useful for when cows are in a confinement system. Also as a body condition management tool for old and young cows.
It is a useful tool because once you take the calf off of the cow her nutritional demands go down. Once she no longer has the demands of lactation she can be maintained on poor quality forages with little to no supplement needed.
Protein tubs have been gaining popularity here lately with producers of all sizes. People that use them like the convenience of having a supplement that is designed to be self-fed in the pasture. They can deliver supplemented nutrients that does not require extra labor.
Seems every year Mother Nature wants to wreak havoc on some regions with drought. Drier than desirable conditions cause problems for livestock producers who depend on forages for grazing during the summer months. But on a positive note using proper planning both your cattle and your bank account can survive the drought.
Sulfur for cattle tends to be a bit of a dividing subject for most producers. When it comes to this subject it generates a love/hate relationship with cattlemen. There are ones who love them as well as swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
Weaning time is once again upon us. It is a magical time where everything runs smoothly. Also absolutely nothing wrong ever….. 
Trich, or the more scientific name Trichomoniasis, is a very serious economic problem for cattle producers. Some of the problems that it can cause are a reduced calf crop as well as lower weaning weights. It can cause this because it making your breeding cows infertile and possibly causing a longer breeding season.
Having profitable cattle is the goal of many a producer. But when exactly does a cow become profitable? We have all heard the statement that it takes 6-7 years for a breeding cow to pay for herself, right? What if I told you that is not always the case.
It is weaning time again out on the range. This is the time of year that you as a rancher get to see the fruits of your labor. Labors such as with your breeding programs. But that does beg the question about success.
Salt as you may know is one of the important building blocks for cattle. This, along with other minerals, are necessary for cattle to perform at their best.
Having to feed supplements is necessary sometimes in cattle operations. That being said it is not something that most ranchers like to do. Feed costs remain the single largest expense for any cattle producer. The amount really depends on different things but it can easily be half of the total annual expenses.
